An electric wheelchair, also referred to as an electric-powered wheelchair or EPW, is propelled by using electrical energy to power an electric motor. In contrast, traditional wheelchairs are manually powered using the occupant’s arms and hands. Electric wheelchairs are not a recent innovation with early prototypes dating back to the early 1930s. However, a recent surge has occurred in EPW development and adoption over the past 10 years due to enhanced performance offered by emerging electric motor and battery technology and the integration of significantly enhanced systems of computerized operation borrowed from other modern technologies.
A Short History Of The Electric Wheelchair
The first commercially successful electric wheelchair was produced in the late 1920s by the R.A. Harding company in England. Although three-wheeled and officially called “Invalid Transports,” they were precursors to the modern day electric wheelchair. Shortly after World War II, Canadian engineer George Klein invented the electric-powered wheelchair known as “The Klein Chair” to assist returning injured veterans.
Who Makes Smart Electric Wheelchairs?
The following manufacturers offer advanced computerized electric wheelchairs:
 | Deka Research and Development Models: iBot |
 | Luci Models: Luci |
 | Nino Robotics Models: Nino4 |
 | Not A Wheelchair Models: Rig |
 | Scewo Models: Bro |
 | Whill Models: Model Ci, Model A |
Electric Wheelchairs In The News
Volkswagen Unveils 2024 VW ID Buzz 3-Row EV For North America
Volkswagen (VW) is set to make waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market as it unveils the long wheelbase edition of its much-anticipated ID. Buzz electric microbus. This model is primed to hit the American roads with a third row…
Arcimoto Launches New 3-Wheel 75 mph Electric Utility Vehicle
Arcimoto, renowned for its three-wheel Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV), is stepping into a new arena with the introduction of a more industrially focused version, termed the Arcimoto Modular Utility Vehicle (MUV). This latest offering from Arcimoto shares its underlying platform…
Drax Teams Up with C-Zero for Revolutionary Carbon Capture Solution
Drax, a global leader in renewable energy and carbon removal, has entered a promising partnership with C-Zero Markets (“C-Zero”). The agreement includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to carbon dioxide removal credits (CDRs) originating from Drax’s first BECCS (Bioenergy…
Coney Island Debuts First Geothermal Multi-Family Building in the City
In a pioneering move for New York City, a 16-story building on Coney Island has become the first multi-family structure to use geothermal energy. Located at 1515 Surf Ave, this impressive tower comprises 463 units, marking a significant stride in…
DTEK’s Ukraine Wind Farm: Green Rebuilding Post-Russian Attacks
Ukraine’s largest private energy firm, DTEK, proudly announced the official opening of a unique wind farm that is situated in a major conflict zone. This extraordinary project, the Tyligulska Wind Power Plant (WPP), is a testament to resilience and green…
Sources
Manufacturers: Deka, Luci, Nino Robotics, Not A Wheelchair, Scewo, Whill
